You must think twice on legal issues

FIRMS were today urged to think twice before buying insurance packages which may not meet their needs.

The warning came from Hartlepool-based law firm Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors.

The company’s bosses say they are taking over an increasing number of cases where the employer’s insurance package has not covered the company’s legal needs, or a poor level of service has compelled them to seek guidance elsewhere.

The firm’s employment lawyer Theresa Carling said: “A retained package of employment law support may sound ideal for your company, but we are witnessing many instances where it has proved to be a false economy.”

The problems faced by clients have included;

l finding that cases are not covered under the terms of the insurance.

l dealing with different contacts so no one person knows the case well enough.

l inexperienced advisors.

l and advisors with such large caseloads they do not have time to respond, keep the client updated or see if there is scope for early settlement to save management time.

HR manager Sara Mctrusty said there was a “massive gap” between the original advice and that received from Tilly Bailey & Irvine.

Glen Cowan, HR Co-ordinator with CBL Cable Limited in Hartlepool, also sought legal advice from Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors. He praised the great working relationship with our solicitor who has taken time to understand the impact on our business.

Theresa added: “It is vital to appreciate the impact on a business of a tribunal, especially the management time required in response.”